Several bylaws being updated by the Town of Mayerthorpe were given first reading at council's regular meeting on Nov. 27.

The Town's Nuisance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw as well as its Property Maintenance Bylaw haven't been updated in about 10 years, and updates were made to ensure they are kept current.

This included adjusting fines to reflect current standards. Under the Property Maintenance Bylaw, these fines range from $85 to $250, doubling for any subsequent offence but not exceeding $10,000.

To address concerns about road maintenance costs due to heavy trucks parking in the community's Central Business District, an updated Traffic Bylaw was given first reading. Changes include only allowing heavy commercial trucks to park for loading and offloading in the Central Business District between Nov. 1 and March 31 each year to reduce wear and tear on the streets during the spring and summer.

“We're trying to establish truck routes that minimize damage to the key municipal streets and avenues,” said Mayor Kate Patrick. “In the other months, they would be required to park in the alleys for offloading goods to businesses.”

Main truck routes were added as 42nd Avenue west of 50th Street, 52nd Street north of 42nd Avenue, 42nd Avenue east of 50th Street to Range Road 83, 42nd A Avenue to enable access to the water treatment plant and abutting commercial businesses, and 52nd Street (Highway 22) north of 53rd Avenue extending to the Town's corporate limit.

The public is invited to attend a consultation session on the proposed changes to the Traffic Bylaw, which will be held in early January 2018. An exact date will be advertised in the near future.

Community Services Committee

Becky Wells has been appointed to the Mayerthorpe Community Services Committee. Council appointed her for a three-year term.

Budget

Council continues to discuss the Town's 2018 draft operational budget and 25 year projection plan. Further discussions have been deferred to a special meeting on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.